What Is Sports Card Grading and Why Does It Matter?

Sports Card grading is the process of evaluating a trading card’s condition and authenticity. Professional grading companies like PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator), BGS (Beckett Grading Services), and SGC (Sports Card Guaranty) assign numerical grades (typically 1–10) that reflect the card’s quality.

Factors Considered in Grading:

• Centering - Is the image properly aligned?

• Corners - Are they sharp or worn?

• Edges - Any chipping or fraying?

• Surface - Scratches, gloss, or printing defects?

  
  

A small difference in grade can mean a huge difference in value. For example:

• A PSA 10 Gem Mint rookie card might sell for thousands more than a PSA 8 of the same card.

• High grades also provide long-term protection for collectors, since the card is sealed in a tamper-proof slab.

Patrick Mahomes II Rookie Card estimated value: $200 ungraded and $600 graded.

Grading and signature authentication bring clarity, trust, and protection to the world of sports collectibles. They ensure that each card isn’t just a piece of cardboard — it’s a certified piece of sports history.

At US Coin Trust, we share that passion for preservation and collecting. If you’re ready to learn more, stop by our Oakhurst location to meet our card expert Mike, browse our ebay & online shop, or reach out with your questions. Your next great collectible is waiting.